Full-face helmets can be of two main types, those that have air vents and those that don’t, the ones that don’t are basically lightweight motto-x helmets and offer very high levels of protection.

The others with air vents still provide adequate protection but also allow air to circulate around the head for cooling.

As you can see above most helmets have peaks this is to keep the sun out of the riders eyes and is possibly one of the most common fashion accessories worn.

It is not always compulsory to wear a full face at downhill races however its advisable and the organizers of the more testing race series make it compulsory.

In the mid 90’s during an international event there was I believe one regrettable incident when a rider was killed due to not wearing a Full-face helmet, and I’m sure every downhiller can tell you of a crash were his / her Full-face has saved them from considerable injury.

Nuff said.